Ruddock challenges pack to produce

Boss Mike Ruddock has ordered a response from his pack and challenged his forwards to meet the latest test head on when Warriors tackle Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

Director of Rugby Ruddock admitted his disappointment that his pack had been second best in defeat to Harlequins last weekend at Sixways Stadium.

Newcastle first team coach Alan Tait has also cranked up the heat ahead of the game by calling on the Falcons to target the Worcester pack and 'break their spirit up front'.

"It will be a big battle for us up front and I have really challenged my forwards, in particular, and laid the gauntlet down to them to respond to coming second best and give a performance that we need and is required at Newcastle," said Ruddock.

"We struggled up front against Harlequins and the big message to the forwards all week is that we didn't perform to where we wanted to.

"Newcastle have a strong pack and have some very strong players, the balance is good and they have grown in confidence, with Carl Hayman being the cornerstone for them.

"We anticipate that Newcastle will want to run us around a bit and avoid our lineout. They will want to keep the ball on the park and move our front five around.

"They will start as favourites and be pumped up. They have said we will be a dogged team and we don't plan to disappoint them. We will make it difficult for them.

"But we also want to play some good rugby and if we get the right ball we can do that.

"I was very disappointed with the pack last week - they know that - so there is a possibility we may tweak it."